Samoa chief’s home ablaze in suspected arson

The house of a Samoan high ranking chief and former speaker of parliament, Leota Leulua’ialii Itu’au Ale, was burnt to the ground hours after the Lands and Titles court ruled against a village council decision to banish him and all members of his family.

The former politician was banished from Solosolo village last December.

He had earlier been welcomed back after another banishment relating to the establishment of new sub village of Solosolo fou.

The police are treating the burning of the house as suspected arson.

Several supporters of the chief in the village believe the house was burnt because the court ruled in favour of the former speaker.